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Bloody Mary
The Cocktail That Thrived Despite ProhibitionThe Bloody Mary is much more than a savory brunch favorite; it traces its roots back to one of the most pivotal eras in American history—Prohibition. This iconic cocktail emerged in the 1920s, when Americans had to get...
The Great Boston Molasses Flood
The Purity Distilling Company's molasses storage tankIn 1919, Boston stood as a hub of rum production in North America, with the Purity Distilling Company's massive molasses storage tank symbolizing the city's industrial prowess. However, on January 15th of that year,...
Sumbel
The Role of Boasts and Oaths in the Sumbel TraditionThe *Sumbel* or *Symbel* is a rich ceremonial tradition rooted in ancient Germanic culture, where the Old English term *Symbel* and the Old Norse *Sumbl* both translate to "feast" or "banquet." This gathering was...
Luck of Edenhall
Guardians of Fortune: The Fascinating Story of the Luck of EdenhallAmidst the realm of cultural artifacts, few objects evoke as much mystery and fascination as Luck beakers—fragile glass vessels thought to protect the fortunes of their owners. Among these relics, the...
Maria-Louca
Brazil's Prison Moonshine In the shadowy confines of Brazil’s prison system, a unique and illicit form of aguardiente known as *Maria Louca* (or "Crazy Mary") emerges. This homemade spirit, first highlighted in Dr. Drauzio Varella’s *Estação Carandiru*, not only...
The Three Chimneys
A Legacy of British Colonial Enterprise and PreservationThe Three Chimney Distillery site is a significant landmark in American history. Also known as the Three Chimneys Sugar Mill, Oswald's Swamp Settlement, and the Henry Yonge Plantation, it stands as the oldest...
The Imperial Eagle Beaker
Symbolism in 16th Century Drinking CultureA Humpen glass, often referred to as a Humpen or Reichsadlerhumpen, is a significant artifact of European decorative arts and drinking culture from the Renaissance to the Baroque periods. These large cylindrical beakers...
The Drunken Bakerman
The Remarkable Tale of the Drunken Bakerman on the TitanicAmong the many harrowing and heroic stories of the Titanic, the tale of Charles Joughin, the Drunken Bakerman, stands out for its unique blend of resilience, fortitude, and an unexpected ally: alcohol. Born in...
The Same Old Moses Saloon
A Pioneering Legacy in Oklahoma's Liquor HistoryIn the heart of Oklahoma's storied past lies The Same Old Moses Saloon, a historic establishment that played a significant role in the state's early days. This iconic saloon, opened by Moses (Mose) Weinberger, has a rich...
Jabir ibn Hayyan
The Alchemist of the Islamic Golden AgeThe Islamic Golden Age, spanning roughly from the 8th to the 14th century, was a period of remarkable advancements in science, medicine, and philosophy. Among the luminaries of this era, one figure stands out for his pioneering...
Hungary water
Exploring the Historical Elixir Hungary WaterIn the world of historical curiosities, few are as intriguing as Hungary Water, also known as the Queen of Hungary's Water. This mysterious elixir from medieval Europe, has captivated the imaginations of scholars for...
Avicenna
Avicenna’s Contributions to the Art of Distillation: A Journey Through TimeIn the annals of history, few figures have left as indelible a mark on the fields of medicine, philosophy, and science as Avicenna. Born in 980 AD in what is now Uzbekistan, Avicenna—also known...
Tapputi-Belatekallim
The World's First Known Chemist & DistillerTapputi-Belatekallim stands as a remarkable figure in history, recognized as the world’s first known chemist. Her contributions to the field of perfumery and distillation during the 2nd millennium BCE in Babylonian...
Brunschwig’s Magnum Opus
Hieronymus Brunschwig: A Renaissance Surgeon and Pioneer of DistillationIn the annals of Renaissance Europe, Hieronymus Brunschwig emerges as a figure of remarkable ingenuity and influence. Born around 1450 in Strasbourg, Brunschwig’s life and career spanned the...
The House of Angostura
The Pioneering Days of The House of AngosturaIn the early days of The House of Angostura, the foundation of this illustrious distillery was laid by Dr. Johann Siegert, a visionary German physician with a profound impact on the world of spirits. The journey began in...
Clinking and Earthing Glasses
The Tradition of Clinking Glasses and Earthing Beers: A Cultural ExplorationThe custom of clinking glasses when drinking and the ritual of "earthing" beers are both fascinating traditions that have deep cultural and historical roots. These practices are more than mere...
A Shot Of Whiskey
The Origin and Evolution of "A Shot of Whiskey" in American CultureThe phrase "a shot of whiskey" is deeply rooted in the history and folklore of the American Old West, evoking images of rugged cowboys and bustling saloons. But how did this term come to signify a...
Bottle labeling
The Legacy of Pierre Pérignon: The Father of Modern Bottle LabelingPierre Pérignon (ca. 1638 - 1715), more commonly known as Dom Pérignon, was a Benedictine monk in the Order of Dom Pérignon OSB in France. His name is synonymous with luxury champagne, largely due to...
